IUCN threat status:

Brief Summary

The Perrier's sifaka according to MammalMAP

With an EDGE score (Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered scores combined) of 5.31, the peculiar Perrier’s sifaka (Propithecus perrieri) is considered one of the 25 most endangered primates in the world.

Perrier’s sifakas are endemic to Madagascar and can be found in the northeastern parts, mainly on the Analamerana Special Reserve and some forest fragments to the west.

The thick, silky coat of Perrier’s sifaka is black, covering its entire body except for the face and ears. Females are slightly larger than males, and weight ranges between 3.7 to 6 kilograms.

During the dry season Perrier’s sifakas mainly eat leaves and flowers, but during the wet season they feed more on fruits and seeds.

Unlike most other species, Perrier’s sifakas have groups of unbiased sex dispersal of between 2 and 6 individuals, although societies seems to be mainly matriarchal, with females having feeding priority.

Perrier’s sifakas communicate using vocalisations, which includes warning calls who some describe as a sneeze-like sound. Grooming has also been observed.

The Perrier’s sifaka is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and numbers continue to decline. The number of mature adults is estimated to be less than 250 individuals – since 1985 an estimated third of the rainforest has disappeared. The decline in numbers is mainly due to habitat destruction. Hunting and predation from fossa may also have a negative impact on lemur population.